MARTIN COULSON. Although this gentleman has been identified with the history of Washington for but a short time, he has already taken a place among the most prominent and valued citizens of the community. He was born October 6, 1830, on a farm on the National road, situated about one mile east of Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., and there learned the blacksmith's trade of his father, who had followed that vocation all his life. At the age of eighteen years Martin Coulson left home, and, taking a position on a steamboat, was rapidly promoted. For thirty-three years he served as engineer on the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri rivers, having run on the Missouri river for sixteen years, and during the last seven years of his river life he was captain. On March 4, 1857, be married Violet G., daughter of Capt. Joseph Sheplar, a native of Westmoreland county, Penn. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Coulson resided in Allegheny until 1888 (where they moved in the highest social circles), when he purchased his present farm, about two miles west of Monongahela. He has given especial attention to stock raising, and now owns nearly fifty blooded trotting horses. The place consists of 260 acres, surrounded by a good fence of pine and cedar, which he had erected, and he also erected the building on the farm. The dwelling is a handsome modern structure, fitted and furnished in a manner affording ample evidence of the progressive spirit characterizing the owner. In politics Mr. Coulson votes with the Democratic party. He takes an active interest in all public enterprises. His children are Joseph S., Mrs. Margaret E. Adams and A. K., all living with their parents on the home place. Mrs. Coulson and her daughters are members of the Methodist Church, and are well-known society ladies.

Text taken from page 697 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed June 1997 by George A. and Mary Ann Plance of Gainesville, FL as part of the Beers Project. Published June 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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